DETECTIVES investigating the murder of a father-of-two have released CCTV images of three people they need to trace.

They were captured on CCTV walking in the vicinity of Rose Avenue, South Moor, Stanley, around 1.30am on Sunday, December 23.

It was around the same time 33-year-old David Scott, who lived in South Stanley, was fatally stabbed nearby.

Detective Superintendent Paul Goundry, who is leading the investigation, said: “We believe these people could be key witnesses and we would urge them, or anyone who recognises them, to contact police without delay.

“We have detectives waiting for your call.”

Mr Scott, who had a five-year-old son and a daughter who has just turned seven, died in the Newcastle RVI hours after suffering multiple stab wounds.

He was found bleeding heavily in a back lane behind Rose Avenue.

Two 16-year-olds have been charged murder and appeared at Newcastle Crown Court.

They have been remanded into youth custody and will next appear at a plea and case management hearing on March 22 with a provisional trial date fixed for June 24.

The CCTV video footage can seen on Durham police’s Facebook page by logging on to www.facebook.com/durhamconstabulary

Anyone who can help police with the investigation is asked to the non-emergency number 101 number, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.